Castles On The Rhine, A Fairytale Tour

Between Rudesheim and Koblenz, in Germany, lies a string of real gems: the castles of the Rhine. A whole succession of fortresses that overlook the river and that give life to one of the most fantastic routes imaginable. Can you come with us? We want to show you some of the most beautiful castles on the tour.

1. Rheinstein

A castle built in the fourteenth century, but restored in the nineteenth at the height of Romanticism. The result is easy to imagine: neo-Gothic towers, terraces, stained glass … and a fantastic view of the river from the top of a stone spur.

2. Reichenstein

Following the course of the river we find one of the most spectacular castles on the Rhine. The one in Reichenstein was built in the 11th century and was also rebuilt in the 19th century with neo-Gothic features. Inside, a huge collection of furniture, porcelain and weapons.

3. Stahleck

The charming town of Bacharach is crowned by a no less idyllic castle of which there are already mentions in 11th century writings. Ravaged by wars, like so many others, Stahleck Castle was just rebuilt a decade ago and is now a youth hostel.

4. Pfalzgrafenstein

“The stone ship eternally anchored on the face of the earth”, this is how Victor Hugo described this charming castle located on an island in the middle of the river. Perfectly preserved, it was a customs castle, prison, surveillance point and today it is a museum.

5. Schönburg

If what you want is to live a unique experience, this castle is perfect. Why? Because it allows you to stay in a fortress built in the 11th century. Transformed into an idyllic hotel, this is one of the most romantic castles on the Rhine along the entire route.

6. Katz

If this castle stands out for something, it is for the fabulous views of the river that can be seen from it. Destroyed and rebuilt on more than one occasion, it dates back to the 14th century. The castle “of the cat”, in its translation, is very close to a perfect complement, the castle of Maus, that is, that of the “mouse”.

7. Rheinfels

Built in the 13th century, it is the largest castle on the middle section of the Rhine. Interestingly, it was not rebuilt like many other castles on this stretch of the river. It does not matter, the visit to its ruins does not fail to impress. It is worth the stop.

8. Marksburg: the jewel of the castles on the Rhine

It has something special, and that is that it is the only castle in this part of the Rhine that has remained intact throughout the centuries, which was never destroyed. A beautiful medieval building, built in the 14th century, which stands on a rocky promontory and has several defensive rings and residential buildings. The visit is essential, a true journey back in time.

9. Lahneck

Built in the 13th century, this castle is surrounded by legends, such as the one that ensures that the last Templars took refuge here. A construction located in a strategic point, at the mouth of the Lahn river. The views, therefore, unbeatable.

10. Stolzenfels

If today we can admire this castle, it is thanks to the gift that the people of Koblenz made in 1823 to the then crown prince, Frederick William of Prussia. He received a building in ruins, but commissioned two renowned architects to rebuild it into a summer residence. The result is what we can admire today, one of the most elegant and romantic castles on the Rhine.